All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

What @Chris Seveney said exactly.
As an architect, I am tasked with that analysis in phase one before anything is designed. County takes no liability for their own errors. They can always just say, check the Building Codes where it will outline requirements precisely. I take the liability for my clients to know what is required and design within that compliance bubble. What you don’t know can hurt you. I hope it pans out but Residential Code is typically vastly different than the Building Code. Could have to retrofit some things for compliance. All the best 

Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC 

Welcome @Jason Nacerino

I am located in Yonkers and do work throughout Westchester County with some project further north and south in NYC. 

Newburgh is an interested City. I have been up there a few times with a couple projects I have there. It's definitely transitional at the moment but who knows when it will be "great" as many are speculating. I would say go there and see for yourself. There are some rough areas so be careful. 

Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC

As another Architect here, I agree with both post by @Alex Furini. 

FYI- I always complete a zoning & feasibility analysis before even starting design to assess the minimums, maximums and site parameters. It would not be prudent for me to do a complete set of construction documents before doing so, regardless if the Owner/Client request so. This is standard due diligence and part of my base fee.  

Jared W. Smith, RA Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC

I am glad others have chimed in on hiring an Architect. Yes, get and review local Architects familiar with this type of work and can be your eyes and ears for the project ensuring they have your best interest in mind to prevent Contractor mishaps and/or taking advantage of you. 

@Crystal Smith has a good point to engage a self-certifying Architect however realize this puts more liability on him/her and could be more costly, however typically when done here in NYC, it makes getting permits much much quicker. Weigh in on the odds for either approach. All the best @Account Closed

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC  

UPDATE: Went ahead and opening Self-Directed solo 401k account with Titan Bank. Awaiting old 401k rollover funds to clear to start investing.

UPDATE: Went ahead and opening Self-Directed solo 401k account with Titan Bank. Awaiting old 401k rollover funds to clear to start investing. 

In future, best to lead with the uniqueness of your project when asking if a service is too costly. Everyone in the comments above that exclaimed that $45k is way too much is likely comparing that cost to a very basic scope of services. Architects quote costs based on the project location/locale, services needed and complexity (the expected time spent to resolve the problem/issues and get your project through completion). Definitely a reason for a higher cost.     

As others have said, you get what you pay for and the project locale plays a large part to answering this. 

Also, what does the Building Department say is required for permits and inspections? Is an architect/engineer required for any aspect of the process up to and including the final sign-off? Draftsmen usually take no liability for their work and if something fails, they aren't licensed and can play like they didn't know. Be cautious. 

Jared W. Smith, RA  - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC

I think it's more of an established relationship the architect has with the Civil Engineer and relays their cost if involved in the project. He likely is not dictating the cost at all. 

I confer with many engineers I work with regularly. When I get an issue outside my expertise, I call them up and give them the scenario and ask for a fee range for the consulting services. Then relay that to the Owner, Investor, etc. to advise/discuss.  

I would have to jump in on this thread to comment as an Architect. The Architect in the soft cost should prove to be one of the most vital and invaluable especially for a newbie and in one of the largest cities and most complex building environments in the Country. Food for thought @Travis Hutchinson. I say this having 14+ yrs working in and around NYC and dealing with Contractors, construction and the often tumultuous NYC Dept. of Buildings (DOB). My latest Brooklyn large scale residential renovation nearing completion is actually coming in around $325-330/SF. And this isn't high end at all. I only say the SF price since I am in the project and can extrapolate this info. Otherwise at the start of a project, SF price is usually not sufficient to explain true cost. Too many variables to go from $200/SF to $500/SF. NYC is expensive to build. Many protocols and requirements.   

IMHO you shouldn't be getting bids before actually narrowing the scope of work. You're not comparing apples to apples. This scope of work should take into consideration what is vital to be done first and accomplishes the overall renovation/property goal. As @Eric Hajdu said, if not then you blow through money quickly without a clear written goal. I help property owners, investors and real estate professionals pin point what needs to be done as well as include their wants, where budget allows. 

Jared W. Smith, RA 

Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC